ENGLEWOOD — Two long years on the practice squad finally paid off for Broncos defensive end Jordan Jackson.

The Air Force product is on the 53-man roster entering Week 1 against the Seahawks.

“It’s definitely big for me,” Jackson told The Denver Gazette following practice Wednesday at Broncos Park. “Me and my mom celebrated. But now it’s time to get back to work. Get ready for Seattle and get ready to play this game.”

Jackson flashed in the preseason finale with two sacks against the Cardinals at Empower Field. But his progress toward making the active roster began in the weight room. General manager George Paton said last week that Jackson “always had the athletic ability” but needed to add strength, play with better leverage and learn the defense.

Jackson checked all of those boxes in preseason and secured his spot.

“Being on the practice squad those two years, it gave me a lot of time to get in the weight room,” Jackson said. “Get stronger and figure out what I need to work on. Then be able to use that on the field, which I think definitely helped me.”

The Broncos defensive line is expected to be improved in 2024 with the additions of John Franklin-Myers and Malcolm Roach. Zach Allen anchors the group as he seeks to improve upon his five sacks from last season.

Jackson must find ways to contribute with potentially limited snaps in the defensive end rotation.

“Just be whatever this team needs me to be,” Jackson said. “Find my role and try to be an expert in that. Then I’ve just got to get better every single day. Use the guys around me to help grow.”

Unofficial depth chart

The Broncos released their unofficial depth chart Wednesday for their upcoming road test in Seattle.

Jarrett Stidham is listed as the backup quarterback and Zach Wilson at QB3. Riley Moss slots in as a starting cornerback opposite Pat Surtain. Josh Reynolds is also listed as a starting wide receiver.

But coach Sean Payton declined to reveal the official depth chart before the season opener.

“We haven’t named any starters,” Payton said. “We kind of have an idea as we’re going. No announcements. You know how it is during a game week. I’m not going to talk about injuries. I’m not going to talk about lineups, with respect.”

Briefly

Projected starting safety Brandon Jones, after missing all three preseason games, was in attendance Wednesday for practice at Broncos Park. Payton said: “He was good moving out there today. He’s feeling well. His testing numbers and all the metrics that come back relative to it are going well.” … Wide receiver Courtland Sutton takes pride in his fourth consecutive selection as a team captain. Sutton said: “It’s something that I treasure, and I hold dear to my heart. I appreciate the guys. They know that they’re going to get my best every day.”